Chapter 49
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Violet's First Words - Episode 49
'I had forgotten....'
Now that Marigold had become like that....
I had become the sole candidate for the Ball.
I had inadvertently become the Winter Queen, the title bestowed upon the Capital's most beautiful woman.
'I want to run away!'
But Ash had clearly said to meet him at the Ball Hall.
I reluctantly stepped into the Ball Hall.
"Where is Marigold Everdin?"
"Only the older sister appeared? The younger sister didn't come out?"
People began murmuring. But soon they realized that Marigold had disappeared.
I carefully searched for Ash. But he was nowhere to be seen.
Soon the Crown Prince, Edgar, appeared among the crowd. He had entered through the opposite door from me, so he stood on the opposite side.
He spotted me from afar and whispered something.
At the far end of the stage sat two beautiful stone vessels.
Inside them lay paper flowers that people had voted with, along with the names of the two candidates.
At first glance, the quantities appeared equal. The Crown Prince's subordinates approached Marigold's vessel and removed it.
Then the murmuring of the crowd grew louder. And one of the Crown Prince's subordinates shouted loudly.
"This year's Winter Queen is Violet Everdin!"
The eyes of the crowd slowly turned toward me one by one.
"I originally cast my flower for you, Violet Everdin. I voted for you."
"Congratulations on becoming Winter Queen!"
"You are truly beautiful."
Marin had certainly said it. If being Winter Queen was a fool's role, then I should be the fool who wins.
I observed these nameless people who approached me with such warmth and thought.
'Winning only gives me chills.'
I barely suppressed my frown and offered only a nod of acknowledgment.
"Violet Everdin, is it true that you possess talents even the Prophet has acknowledged?"
"Do you remember me? We worked on an assignment together once, didn't we? Would it be alright if I sent you an invitation to our next gathering?"
People continued to flock toward me. Some were familiar faces, but most were people I had never seen before.
"I've always thought you were pretty. Seeing you today, you're truly beautiful. I haven't made you feel slighted in any way, have I?"
This was spoken by one of Marigold's followers—someone whose name I barely knew, like a handmaiden.
'How can people's attitudes change so drastically in an instant.'
I had yearned for others' praise and recognition my entire life, but now that I faced such a situation, it felt only... hollow and strange.
Then I felt an intense gaze upon me. It was almost chilling.
The Crown Prince, Edgar, had been watching her with sinister intent for some time now.
"Winter Queen, come to me at once. How could I have failed to notice such a beautiful young lady in my presence?"
Edgar approached willingly and extended his hand to Violet.
Those who had stepped aside for the Crown Prince glanced at them before becoming absorbed in their own conversations once more.
The party had just begun.
Violet, standing among the dazzling party lights, cast a brief glance at Edgar. It was absurd.
Even for someone like Violet, who was inexperienced in such matters, it was obvious. One would have to be a fool not to recognize this as flirtation.
"Do you know me?"
Violet asked without smiling.
"Of course, I know you well. You're famous as a beauty...."
He had been about to mention Marigold's name when his face went pale, and he changed the subject.
"I've heard rumors that the sisters of my Everdin Family are beauties. And you're the Prophesied Girl, aren't you!"
"Reputation certainly travels fast, doesn't it."
She had only gained this 'reputation' a few days ago, and now even the Royal Family knew her name.
Violet had spoken sarcastically, but the Crown Prince merely continued to grin foolishly.
"Well, of course. Everything will be different now. You'll become known as the most beautiful woman in the Capital who danced with my hand, and it will remain in the records forever."
"That remains to be seen."
Whose hand would she hold and dance with.
Violet already found conversing with the Crown Prince exhausting.
Being marked by the Crown Prince? That wasn't as frightening as she'd thought. Once she let go of her concerns, it felt liberating.
What did the Royal Family matter to someone determined to ruin her own reputation.
"Oh, speaking with you directly, you're more aloof than I expected. I rather like this type of young lady. Very much indeed...."
Edgar looked at Violet as though he were drooling.
'Setting aside that the Crown Prince is disagreeable, something feels... off.'
Was he flirting with her as though he'd completely forgotten about Marigold just moments ago?
Violet decided to probe him a bit further.
"It seems you have particular preferences, Your Highness."
"Well, of course. A man of power like myself enjoys things that are thrilling and extraordinary!"
"By thrilling, do you mean frightening things? For example, someone's death, solemnity, secrets—things like that?"
The smile faded from Edgar's face. He took a step closer to Violet.
"You seem to know quite a bit, young lady."
"Other examples would be the death of a saint, coffins, funerals. Those are all fascinating too, aren't they? You described them as thrilling. Sometimes they make a person's heart race quite intensely."
This was Violet's first experience extracting information from someone.
But it was easier than expected. Edgar's gaze was unfocused, and he grinned foolishly at whatever she said.
'At first I thought he was just a lecher, but did this man take something? He looks like someone under a spell.'
Edgar drew closer to Violet and whispered.
"Now that I see you, I think our tastes are rather similar. I believe we'd be a good match."
...A good match? If he hadn't been born with the Crown Prince's restrictions around him, he would've taken a hit from me.
That's what Violet thought.
But then her eyes widened. Edgar had drawn near and whispered in her ear.
"Saint Carita's coffin is kept in the basement of this Archive. Past this Hall, there's a small Library. I've left the hidden door there unlocked. It's an easy place to find."
"...I see?"
I was grateful for the useful information, but maintaining my composure was becoming increasingly difficult.
"Once our first dance ends, we'll meet there."
This was because Edgar had flashed a lethal expression and given Violet a covert glance.
'Ah, I really hate this....'
Violet instinctively stepped back.
Interpreting her attitude however he wished, Edgar broke into a broad smile and turned his gaze toward the orchestra.
The orchestra began playing music slowly.
"Winter Queen, Violet Everdin. Would you honor me with our first dance?"
Edgar spoke with utmost courtesy, one hand placed over his heart.
Scattered applause erupted from the crowd.
Violet could no longer suppress her bitter expression.
"I'm sorry, but I must decline."
"...What?"
Edgar's expression was one of disbelief. The surrounding crowd shared his sentiment.
"Doesn't the Winter Queen also have someone she wishes to dance with for the first time? My first dance today is already reserved."
Edgar's eyes narrowed sharply.
"The privilege of dancing the first dance with the Winter Queen belongs only to the Royal Family."
"I understand that, but I also have the right to refuse a dance, don't I?"
Violet said.
The surroundings fell silent all at once. Even the orchestra's music ceased.
Fury spread across Edgar's face.
But the atmosphere had shifted subtly. The crowd murmured softly, their gazes fixed not on Edgar, but elsewhere.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org